Z-Man: Johnny Bench Watch List

Do you remember when Owls catcher Adam Zornes flashed his potential (.302/.382/.500) over a limited number of at-bats (96) as a redshirt freshman in 2006? Did you, like us, wonder what Zornes could accomplish as the everyday backstop?

We all recall that Zornes, stuck behind Danny Lehmann and Travis Reagan, didn’t get his opportunity last season. His at-bats were slashed (59), and his numbers (.203/.299/.441) plummeted. And while he accepted his reserve role, Zornes didn’t exactly embrace it, occasionally struggling to exhibit patient and perseverance. Well, good things come to those who wait.

On Tuesday, Zornes was named to the 48-member Johnny Bench Award Watch List, an honor reserved for the nation’s top catcher. Zornes (.331/.411/.564) is certainly deserving, having caught 43 games while pacing the Owls in home runs (nine) and slugging, and ranking second in RBIs (42) and total bases (92). He’s been a stabilizing force for the pitching staff and a stalwart with the leather. In other words, he’s been as good as advertised, and has lived up to lofty expectations.

8 Responses

MK, do you know if they take into account that Zornes (and, of course, other Rice catchers) call their own games, as so few other DI catchers do? I would think that, along with the stats of course, would speak heavily in Zornes’ favor, though I don’t know much about the other programs in question…

[I doubt it, although I can gladly check on that on Wednesday . Zornes calling pitches is a subtle aspect of the game that has an incredible impact, but I don't know how you can fairly and quantitatively measure his ability to do so against the raw statistical data of his peers. - MK]

Great for Zornes, but reminds me we have no in-house heir apparent. Hale’s time seems to be more limited this season than Zornes’ in the past. If both Frosh still can’t block balls in the dirt, we may have to look to a a juco to step in. Any thoughts ?

[I remember being informed that the Owls are in pursuit of one of the best juco catchers in the country. I'll check on that this week. - MK]

MK, I heard the same thing re. pursuit of JUCO catcher. However, I think Hale and Tinsley can still develop into a quality duo. Given that Hale has not done bad in his limitted plate appearances, I am really a bit surprised Coach hasn’t used him a bit at DH. I suppose the reason is he is the only backup for Zornes (now that Jess is out), and Coach felt he could not take the risk.

BTW, aside from CSC, Z-man, Luna, Kelley, Bell and Padron, it’s going to be interesting to see how many of the Juniors elect to come back. We already know Jess will be returning, and if he fully recovers from his foot surgery, we could have the #1 SS/3B/2B combo in all of college ball heading into next season. Comerota will almost certainly be back as the all-purpose utility man. The question is whether guys such as Langwell and Gayhart return, as I don’t think it’s a given they’ll be drafted high enough to make leaving a no-brainer decision. And while I think Bryan Price will be coveted more than his stats would suggest (given his stuff and raw talent), there’s always a chance he comes back, though I think it would be relatively small.

Hey MK, this is neither here nor there, but just wanted to throw in a quick note here on a sunny Friday as to what a great job you do. I’ve followed Rice sports since I graduated in ’98 and I must say you’re the best advocate/voice/reporter we’ve had (at least since then). It makes it a joy to visit the Chronicle (which I can’t say was always the case). I especially enjoy your blog and your willingness to speak directly to fans but still stay a little above the fray. Keep it up!

[It's beautiful day here in Waco, too. And thanks for the kind words. - MK]

MK, I totally agree with Adam. You do a great job of telling it like it is. I look forward to reading you. Now please tell us how Jess Buenger is doing. Did he have his surgery?

[Interesting that you ask that question. I saw Jess getting his ankle wrapped on Thursday and hobbling about in a boot. He didn't look like someone who had surgery recently, and it made me recall his desire to wait and see how the ankle responded to treatment before he went under the knife. Jess is holding out hope that he can help in a pinch-hitting capacity down the stretch, so perhaps he held off. I'll check on it next week. - MK]